Connect with us

Alabama Football Headlines

Former Alabama wide receiver joins Maryland’s coaching staff as graduate assistant

Marvin Gentry - USA TODAY Sports

After learning from the best in college football and collecting championships along the way, Derek Kief is ready to teach the next wave of athletes. Per Matt Zenitz of AL.com, Kief was hired to the coaching staff at Maryland as a graduate assistant. 

The native of Cincinnati, Ohio confirmed the news on Friday. 

He came to the University of Alabama as a four-star receiver in its 2014 signing class. 

At 6-foot-4 and 204 pounds, Kief showed promise with his size and athleticism, but injuries hindered him from becoming what he wanted to be. Despite the mishaps, he was still a good presence in the locker room and taught the system to players such as Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith.

In playing from 2014 to 2018, Kief would be part of four Southeastern Conference title teams (2014-16, 2018) and two national championship teams. 

RELATED: Christian Barmore ready to lead Alabama’s DL this season

He and Michael Locksley, former Alabama offensive coordinator, were on the Tide’s 2018 SEC Championship squad and now he will help Locksley with the Terrapins. Locksley enters his second year as head coach of the program. 

*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber only content!*

Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.  You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

More in Alabama Football Headlines